«I immediately felt we were on the same wavelength,» says Bode Miller speaking of the people of the Engadin. «We're two of a kind; both the locals and I love skiing, and we'll do our best to pass this joy on to our guests and our kids.»
It was in St. Moritz that Bode won his first major titles: «I was racing Maier, Eberharter, Walchhofer, Kjus, Aamodt. All of them were better than I was. I was the rookie, and I knew that I had to pull out all the stops – uncompromisingly – If I wanted to win.»
The sport, since, has changed; exceptional athletes are a thing of the past: «In the old days, you only had a chance to beat someone like Hermann Maier and Alberto Tomba if you took your body and your equipment to the limits,» muses Miller. «These guys lifted the entire sport to a new level.»
«The quality of the workmanship makes the difference.»
Bode hasn't entered a race since 2015. Being a father, he has other priorities. «The most important thing in my life is to be there for my children. They all ski, but I don't push them to do so. I want them to discover the sport on their own and to find pleasure in it.»
Sports, for Bode, has been a formative school of life: «Winning doesn't make you advance, but losing does. After a defeat, you pull yourself up once again, you make a new plan, and you implement it. No one can teach you this; you have to live and learn it on your own.»
Towards the end of his sports career, the Olympic champion teamed up with two small sports goods manufacturers, Aztech Mountain and Bomber Skis. Bode acts as co-owner, head of innovations, and brand ambassador. «Here, I can drive change and make sure only the best products make it into the shops,» is how he describes his role.
For Aztech Mountain, the goal is no less than to make the best skiwear in the world. «Skiing is moving: your clothing should at no cost hinder you in your movements. It should be waterproof and keep you warm in winter, but not too warm.»
Many apparel brands claim to make a lifestyle product, says Bode. «But most of them don't live up to their claim. A garment will only become part of your lifestyle when you would wear it in any situation. You would wear one of our jackets to go out in the evening – that's how comfy it feels.»
«Nowadays, the sole focus is on lowering the cost of production, becoming ever cheaper – and, in the end, everyone just ends up producing garbage. The quality of manufacturing, however, will make or break whether our clients enjoy our products. That is why Bomber and Aztech manufacture in Italy. That comes at a price, but the quality is first-rate.»
«We must begin with the kids.»
Skiing has left its mark on Bode – and Bode left his mark on skiing. Skiing is dear to his heart, and it is evident in every word he utters. «If we want the sport to thrive in the long run, we have to start with the kids,» the champion says with conviction. «Small children shouldn't have to pay for their tickets. If they come to know the enjoyment of the sport at a young age, skiing will always be a part of their lives.»
This article by Christian Gartmann has been published in the Skiservice Magazine 2018.
Link: This way to the electronic issue (Magazine in German and English)